Apparatuses, Methods, and Systems for a Portable, Image-Processing Transmitter

ABSTRACT

This disclosure details the implementation of apparatuses, methods, and systems for a portable, image-processing transmitter. The transmitter provides a platform capable of managing, manipulating, storing, and transmitting digital media files across a wide array of transmission means and protocols. In one embodiment, the transmitter may be employed by photographers, photojournalists, and/or the like to rapidly process, edit, and send photographs or video to multiple news agencies, newspapers, magazines, television studios, websites, and/or the like while maintaining control over their photographs by allowing them to send reduced quality and watermarked proofs. The transmitter may be configured to allow users to first generate and transmit low-resolution preview images, thereby saving on transmission time and resources, and only send full resolution versions once approvals of the preview versions are received. The transmitter&#39;s broad communication capabilities ensure that it is maximally effective in locating and exploiting available communication networks, even from remote locations.

PRIORITY CLAIMS AND RELATED APPLICATIONS

Applicants hereby claim priority under 35 USC §119 for U.S. provisionalpatent application Ser. No. 60/952,542 filed Jul. 27, 2007, entitled“USER INTERFACE FOR A PORTABLE, IMAGE-PROCESSING TRANSMITTER,” attorneydocket no. 18408-002PV1; U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No.60/952,543 filed Jul. 27, 2007, entitled “APPARATUSES, METHODS, ANDSYSTEMS FOR A PORTABLE, IMAGE-PROCESSING TRANSMITTER,” attorney docketno. 18408-002PV2; and U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No.60/952,545 filed Jul. 27, 2007, entitled “APPARATUSES, METHODS, ANDSYSTEMS FOR A PORTABLE, AUTOMATED CONTRACTUAL IMAGE DEALER ANDTRANSMITTER,” attorney docket no. 18408-002PV3.

The entire contents of the aforementioned applications are hereinexpressly incorporated by reference.

FIELD

The present invention is directed generally to apparatuses, methods, andsystems of image processing, and more particularly, to apparatuses,methods and systems for a portable, image-processing transmitter.

BACKGROUND

Digital photography is an increasingly ubiquitous technology. Digitalcameras have gained in popularity over film cameras and are, today, thestandard across a broad array of applications spanning the spectrum frompersonal to professional usage. This is due in large part to the costsavings and relative ease with which digital images can be developed,modified, and transferred as compared to traditional film photographs.Images created and/or captured by today's digital cameras are oftenrecorded in a removable storage medium, such as a flash memory card, andcan be transferred to a computer via a dedicated cable. Thecommoditization of digital cameras has even resulted in their beingadded to cellular telephones, albeit in more limited capacities andresolutions.

SUMMARY

This disclosure details the implementation of apparatuses and methodsfor a portable, image-processing transmitter (hereafter, “Transmitter”).There is a growing need for quick and convenient manipulation and/ordistribution of digital media files, including images, video, and audiocontent. The proliferation and rapid advancement of mobile digital mediaacquisition technologies have rendered that need particularly acute forapplications in remote locations or that require handling of largeand/or high resolution files without significantly compromising quality.The Transmitter fulfills these needs by providing a platform capable ofmanaging, manipulating, storing, and transmitting digital images ofvarious formats across a wide array of transmission means and protocols.Embodiments of the Transmitter may be employed by photographers,photojournalists, and/or the like to rapidly process, edit, and sendhigh-quality photographs or video to multiple news agencies, newspapers,magazines, television studios, websites, and/or the like whilemaintaining control over their photographs by allowing them to sendreduced quality and watermarked proofs. The Transmitter may beconfigured to allow users seeking to transmit large, high-resolutionimages to first generate and transmit low-resolution preview images,thereby saving on transmission time and resources. Full resolutionversions of the images may then be transmitted as approvals of thepreview versions are received.

In one embodiment, the Transmitter may be specifically configured toprocess and transmit high quality photos such as those taken by asingle-lens reflex camera in the region of 10 mega pixels and beyondwith resolution equal or better than 35 mm films. In contrast, camerasintegrated into cellular telephones, personal digital assistants (PDAs),and/or the like frequently have significantly lower resolution and maylack other photographic elements such as advanced lenses, lighting,focus capabilities, sight sensor/electronics, and/or the like that mayaffect photo quality. Consequently, the Transmitter provides asignificant advantage over these devices for an extensive array ofapplications. Furthermore, the Transmitter's broad communicationcapabilities ensure that it is maximally effective in locating andexploiting any of a wide variety of available communication networks,even when a photographer is in a remote location.

In various embodiments, some Transmitter features and/or configurationsmay incorporate:

interfaces or slots for reading from and writing to a variety of memorycards (e.g., CompactFlash, SD, Mini SD, xD, Memory Stick, and/or thelike);

USB interfaces for reading and sending data and digital images;

one or more display screens for displaying images, video, and data;

touch-capabilities and/or a physical keyboard supporting alpha-numericinputs;

personal e-mail address books, phone books, and/or the like;

image and/or video editing capabilities, such as resolution, colorsaturation, special effects, cropping, red-eye reduction, and/or thelike;

keypads with functional and/or hot functional buttons, such as forsending, receiving, displaying, deleting, and editing images and/orvideo;

multiple forms of transmission capabilities, including mobile networks(e.g., GSM, GPRS, W-CDMA, CDMA, CDMA2000, HSPDA, and/or the like),wireless transmission (e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth, and/or the like),Ethernet, USB, and/or the like for sending and/or receiving data,digital images, video, and/or the like;

software providing a user-friendly interface for sending and/orreceiving, viewing, editing, saving, deleting, and/or the like data,digital images, video, and/or the like; and

memory for storing data and unedited/edited digital images.

In one embodiment, a method is disclosed for processing digital media,comprising: receiving a digital media file from a digital media inputinterface array, the digital media input interface array including atleast a memory card slot; providing the digital media file for displayon a display screen; receiving at least one digital media file editinginstruction; modifying the digital media file based on the at least onedigital media file editing instruction; receiving at least onedestination designation; selecting at least one digital mediatransmission format, including any of a cellular network format, awireless transmission format, an Ethernet format, or a USB format;configuring the digital media file in accordance with the at least onedata transmission format; and sending the digital media file to adestination specified by the at least one destination designation via adigital media output interface array, the digital media output interfacearray including output components providing transmission capabilitiesconsistent with at least the cellular network format, the wirelesstransmission format, the Ethernet format, and the USB format.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying appendices and/or drawings illustrate variousnon-limiting, example, inventive aspects in accordance with the presentdisclosure:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of a device implementingTransmitter functionality in one embodiment;

FIG. 2 shows an overview of an implementation of data flow within oneembodiment of Transmitter operation;

FIG. 3 shows an implementation of overall logic flow in one embodimentof Transmitter operation;

FIG. 4 shows an implementation of overall logic flow in anotherembodiment of Transmitter operation;

FIG. 5 illustrates an implementation of a user interface in oneembodiment of Transmitter operation;

FIG. 6 shows an implementation of logic flow for automatic communicationprotocol selection in one embodiment of Transmitter operation;

FIG. 7 shows an implementation of media request management in oneembodiment of Transmitter operation;

FIG. 8 illustrates an implementation of a user interface in oneembodiment of Transmitter operation;

FIG. 9 illustrates an implementation of a user interface for selectingimages for editing in one embodiment of Transmitter operation;

FIG. 10 illustrates an implementation of a user interface for imageediting in one embodiment of Transmitter operation;

FIG. 11 illustrates an implementation of a user interface for applyingwatermarks to images in one embodiment of Transmitter operation;

FIGS. 12-14 illustrate an implementation of a user interface forselecting and previewing images for transmission in one embodiment ofTransmitter operation;

FIGS. 15A-15C illustrate an implementation of a user interface forsending messages in one embodiment of Transmitter operation;

FIGS. 16A-16C are screen image diagrams illustrating aspects ofreceiving Transmitter originated email messages and buying or biddingfor the selected images; and

FIG. 17 is of a block diagram illustrating embodiments of the presentinvention of a Transmitter controller.

The leading number of each reference number within the drawingsindicates the figure in which that reference number is introduced and/ordetailed. As such, a detailed discussion of reference number 101 wouldbe found and/or introduced in FIG. 1. Reference number 201 is introducedin FIG. 2, etc.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In order to address various issues such as those discussed above, theinvention is directed to systems, methods and apparatuses for aportable, image-processing transmitter (hereafter “Transmitter”). It isto be understood that, depending on the particular needs and/orcharacteristics of a Transmitter user, manufacturer, component set, datatransmission method, and/or the like, various embodiments of theTransmitter may be implemented that enable a great deal of flexibilityand customization. The instant disclosure discusses an embodiment of theTransmitter primarily within the context of editing and transmittingdigital media files, in particular still images. However, it is to beunderstood that the system described herein may be readilyconfigured/customized for a wide range of other applications orimplementations. For example, aspects of the Transmitter may be adaptedfor processing other types of digital media files such as video, audio,text, graphics, and/or the like; for previewing and/or broadcastingmedia; for imposing security and/or authentication elements onto mediafiles; and/or the like. It is to be understood that the Transmitter maybe further adapted to other implementations or media editing and/ortransmitting applications.

The following figures and associated discussion illustrate, by way ofexample only, particular embodiments and implementations of Transmitteroperation.

Transmitter Device

FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of a device implementingTransmitter functionality in one embodiment. The device 101 includes aninput and/or output (I/O) interface array 102 housing ports and slots toadmit conduits for a wide variety of transmission means, protocols, anddevices, such as CompactFlash memory cards 105, Secure Digital (SD)Flash memory cards 110, extreme digital (XD) picture cards 115, andother similar forms of portable memory storage 120 (e.g., mini SD,memory stick, etc.), as well as ports for Ethernet 125 and/or USB 130cable connections.

In addition, the Transmitter device may contain one or moretransceivers, antennas, amplifiers, and/or the like for facilitating thereception and/or transmission of data over a variety of different datacommunication networks, formats, and protocols, including but notlimited to Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), General PacketRadio Service (GPRS), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA),CDMA, CDMA2000, High-Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), wirelesspersonal area networks (e.g., Bluetooth), wireless local area networks(e.g., WiFi), and/or the like. In various embodiments, componentsfacilitating the use of any or all of these communication mechanisms andprotocols may be incorporated into a single Transmitter device.

The Transmitter device may also be equipped with a display screen 135that may be employed to display images and various other aspects ofTransmitter functionality (e.g., editing tools, address book, filestatuses, etc.) and, in some embodiments, may be configured to admittouch-screen inputs via a finger, stylus, and/or the like. Anappropriate Liquid Crystal Display, Organic Light-Emitting Diode, and/orthe like flat-screen based technology may be used. In an embodimentwherein the display screen admits touch-screen inputs, a keypad and/orfunctional/hot buttons may be incorporated into a user interface displayto facilitate manipulation and/or transmission of digital media filesand/or other Transmitter functionality. The user interface in such anembodiment will be discussed in greater detail below. In lieu of or inaddition to touch-screen buttons, the Transmitter device may alsoincorporate additional user interface buttons, dials, switches,trackballs, joysticks, keypads, and/or the like in order to receive userinputs. Some examples of possible input buttons are displayed in FIG. 1,such as buttons to admit commands for copying and/or storing 140,viewing 145, editing 150, sending 155, and deleting 160 digital mediafiles. The figure also shows a power switch 165 that may be operated forturning the device on or off. The Transmitter may be configured withcomponents to receive power by a variety of different means includingordinary or rechargeable batteries, line power and/or mains electricity,solar panels, powered USB, and/or the like.

Transmitter Data Flow

FIG. 2 shows an overview of an implementation of data flow within oneembodiment of Transmitter operation. A Transmitter Controller 201 may,in one embodiment, serve a central role in acquisition, organization,manipulation, and transmission of digital media, user commands, and/orthe like. The Controller 201 is coupled to an Input Interface Array 205to receive digital media files therefrom. The Input Interface Array 205may admit a variety of different input formats, protocols, and/or thelike, including but not limited to memory cards (e.g., flash memory),wireless and/or cellular data signals, Ethernet cables, USB cables,serial cables, camera cables, diskettes, CDs, DVDs, and/or the like. Inalternative implementations, the Input Interface Array 205 may furtherincorporate an integrated camera, microphone, and/or the like for directacquisition and/or production of media files.

Media files received in the Transmitter Controller 201 may be relayed toand/or manipulated by a number of Transmitter modules to which theController is coupled. These modules may include a UserInterface/Display 210, which may be employed to provide digital mediafiles for display or user inspection, as well as to receive userinstructions for and/or interactions with the digital media files. TheUser Interface/Display 210 may, in one implementation, comprise atouch-screen interface. In various implementations, the UserInterface/Display 210 may include buttons, dials, switches, trackballs,joysticks, keypads, and/or the like to admit and receive user inputs. Inanother implementation, the User Interface/Display may further include aspeaker capable of audio playback.

The Transmitter may also include a number of Media Editing Tools 215,coupled to the Transmitter Controller 201, that are selectable and/orcontrollable via the User Interface/Display 210, and with which a usermay manipulate digital media files. In an embodiment admitting stillimage digital media files, the Media Editing Tools may include but arenot limited to cropping, selecting, copying, pasting, resizing,rotating, zooming in and out, red-eye reduction, brightness adjustment,sharpness adjustment, contrast adjustment, color saturation adjustment,color balance adjustment, hue adjustment, gamma correction, resolutionadjustment, special effects (e.g., airbrushing, filters, lens effects,applying titles or text, applying borders, and/or the like), watermarkapplication, file format manipulation, file compression/decompression,and/or the like. In an embodiment admitting video image digital mediafiles, the Media Editing Tools may include but are not limited to all ofthe aforementioned, as well as tools facilitating frame rates and/orspeed adjustments, sequence editing and/or manipulation, and/or thelike. In an embodiment admitting audio digital media files, eitherstand-alone or in conjunction with video, the Media Editing Tools mayinclude but are not limited to tools facilitating volume adjustment,playback rate, pitch adjustment, audio effects (e.g., echo, filtering,etc.), and/or the like. In one embodiment, such image processing modulesmay be supplied by various codecs and/or image processing plug-ins fromvarious free software sources; e.g., the GNU Image Manipulation Program(GIMP) suite.

The Transmitter Controller 201 may further be coupled to an InternalFile Storage component 220, wherein digital media files may be storedfor future use. The Internal File Storage component 220 may, in variousimplementations, comprise an internal hard drive, magnetic storagemedium, optical storage medium, flash memory, and/or the like. In analternative implementation, the Internal File Storage component 220 maycomprise a removable storage medium, such as a dedicated Transmitterflash memory card. In yet another implementation, the Transmitter mayaltogether lack any Internal File Storage component.

The Transmitter Controller 201 may further be coupled to a digitalAddress Book 225, wherein contact information and/or other transmissiondestination designations may be stored for future reference and use.Address Book 225 contents may comprise e-mail addresses, IP addresses,telephone numbers, URLs, and/or the like as well as any otherdestination, individual, or organizational identifying or characterizinginformation. In one implementation, the Address Book 225 may admit groupdesignations, wherein a number of individual Address Book 225 entriesare collected under a single group entry such that designation of thegroup as a recipient of a particular digital media file package resultsin the package being sent to destinations corresponding to allindividuals within the group.

The Transmitter Controller 201 may further be coupled to aProtocol/Format Converter 230, which may store and/or implementinformation and/or instructions to facilitate the formatting,conversion, compression, modification, encoding, and/or the like ofdigital media files into numerous output file formats (e.g., JPEG, RAW,TIFF, etc.). In turn, such files can be transmitted via theTransmitter's transport components along various network connections,data links, and/or physical layer communication protocols or formats forwhich the Transmitter is configured within a particular implementationor embodiment. Communication protocols and/or formats for which theTransmitter may be configurable include, but are not limited to, GSM,GPRS, W-CDMA, CDMA, CDMA2000, HSDPA, Ethernet, WiFi, Bluetooth, USB,and/or the like. Numerous data transfer protocols may be employed uponsuch connections, for example, TCP/IP and/or higher protocols such asHTTP post, FTP put commands, and/or the like.

The Transmitter Controller 201 may further be coupled to a TransmissionManager 235, which may monitor, track, and/or process incoming requestsfor digital media and manage address book entries and outgoingtransmissions. In one implementation, the Transmission Manager 235 mayenable a user to generate address lists, group mailings, and/or the likeand/or to generate macros whereby a user may automatically process a setof selected images in a pre-specified manner and send them to adesignated group of recipients. For example, a user may set a previewmacro via the Transmission Manager 235 such that a set of low-resolutionpreview images are generated and sent to a pre-selected list ofrecipients for any selected images to which the preview macro isapplied. In another implementation, the Transmission Manager 235 may beconfigured to monitor and/or respond to incoming messages received bythe Transmitter. For example, the Transmission Manager 235 may beconfigured to check incoming e-mails for specific content (e.g.,expected text within the subject header, within the e-mail body, etc.)indicating a request for one or more images and, consequently, eitherautomatically transmit the requested images to the requester or promptthe Transmitter user that the request has been received and offer aone-click option to transmit the images to the requester. In the eventof multiple requests, the Transmission Manager 235 may be configured todiscern additional information from request messages to determine whichrequest to fulfill, such as which request was received first, whichrequest includes the largest payment, which request was made by apreferred recipient, and/or the like.

Once processed, digital media files may be transmitted, for example todestinations selected from the Address Book 225, via an Output InterfaceArray 240. The Output Interface Array 240 may include componentsfacilitating transmission of digital media files via a variety ofdifferent communication protocols and/or formats as coordinated with theProtocol/Format Converter module 230. The Output Interface Array 240may, for example, contain ports, slots, antennas, amplifiers, and/or thelike to facilitate transmission of files via any of the aforementionedmethods. In one implementation, some components may be shared betweenthe Output Interface Array 240 and the Input Interface Array 205 (e.g.,a single USB port).

In another implementation, the Transmitter may further include a timerand/or calendar module, facilitating scheduled receipt and/ortransmission of digital media files. In one embodiment, a unix cron job,and/or the like, may be employed for such scheduled and/or periodicoperation. For example, a calendar module permits a Transmitter user tosend the entire contents of a directory in the Internal File Storagedatabase 220 to a designated destination at the same time every week. Inanother implementation, the Transmitter may further include e-mailclients, web clients, ftp clients, telnet clients, and/or the like.

In alternative Transmitter embodiments or implementations, any or all ofthe aforementioned modules may be contained within the TransmitterController rather than separately coupled to it. For example, digitalmedia files may be stored in a Media Files table, editing tools in aTools table, Address Book entries in an Address Book table, andcommunication protocols in a Protocols table, all within the TransmitterController 201. These tables and further aspects of the Transmitter willbe discussed in the exposition of the Transmitter Controller providedbelow.

Transmitter Logic Flow

FIG. 3 shows an implementation of overall logic flow in one embodimentof Transmitter operation. A user action is received at 301, and theTransmitter queries the nature of that action at 305, determining inthis embodiment whether the user has elected to view, edit, copy/store,send, or delete media files. If the user selects the option to viewfiles, a file source selection is received at 310, such as a memorycard, internal storage, wireless or wired data link, and/or any otherdata source coupled to via the input interface array. Files in theselected source are provided for display, as whole images and/orthumbnails, at 315. In an alternative implementation, the user may beprovided with a listing of albums and/or folders containing digitalmedia files within the selected source to select from and/or may bepermitted to select a subset of available files for display from thoseavailable.

If the user selects the option to edit files, an album and/or folderselection is received at 320, followed by a selection of a file or files325 from within the selected album/folder for editing. Receipt andimplementation of editing instructions proceeds at 330, and the user isprovided with an option to save the changes to the edited files or torestore the file to its original form prior to editing at 335. In oneembodiment, image processing editing may be achieved by employingopen-source plug-in modules (e.g., GIMP plug-ins) whereby the entireimage or marquee selections of the image are provided to the plug-insfor processing. In other embodiments, image processing editing may beachieved by employing components of 2D graphics libraries such as Cairoand/or the like. In further embodiments, image editing may be achievedby interfacing with APIs from commercial packages such as PocketBrushand/or the like that run on Microsoft Windows Mobile.

If the user selects the option to copy and/or store files, a file sourceselection is received at 340, followed by selections of album and/orfolder 345 and file or files 350 for copying and/or storing. Adestination selection is received at 360, which may include any internalor external file storage locations, such as internal or external harddrives or other magnetic storage media, internal or external flashmemory, internal or external optical storage media, and/or the like. Theselected file(s) are copied and/or stored to the selected destination(s)at 365.

If the user selects the option to send files, a file source selection isreceived at 370, followed by selections of album and/or folder 373 andfile or files 375 for sending. A destination input is received at 378.The destination input may include one or more phone book or Address Bookentries (e.g., SIM card entries) 383 and/or new e-mail addresses, IPaddresses, URLs, telephone numbers, and/or the like 380. In oneimplementation, the Transmitter may offer the option to automaticallyincorporate a detected new destination designation into an existingAddress Book. The destination input may further include a selection ofone or more preferred communication protocols and/or formats to be usedin sending the designated files. Protocol selections may be made by auser or may be automatically selected by the Transmitter. Furtherdetails surrounding protocol selection are provided in discussionsbelow. The selected file(s) are sent to the input destination(s) at 385.In an alternative implementation, the user is requested to confirm thesending of files prior to the files being transmitted.

If the user selects the option to delete files, a file source selectionis received at 387, followed by selections of album and/or folder 389and file or files 391 for deleting. The user is requested to confirm thedeleting of the file(s) at 393 and, if confirmed, the Transmitterdeletes the selected file(s) at 394.

A determination is made at 395 as to whether there are additional useractions to consider. If so, the flow returns to 301. Otherwise, the flowexits.

FIG. 4 shows an implementation of overall logic flow in anotherembodiment of Transmitter operation. The Transmitter determines at 401whether there are digital media files available in memory. It may, forexample, check internal and external storage components for allavailable digital media files and provide a list of available sourcesfor the user to select from. In one implementation, the Transmitter mayautomatically select the file source if there is a default sourcedesignation or if there is only one file source containing valid digitalmedia files. If the Transmitter finds no available files in memory, itmay prompt the user to insert a memory card 405. If the user fails to doso, the Transmitter may wait for a period of time and subsequentlyreturn to 401 to check again for available files in memory. It may turnoff, otherwise, to conserve energy. Once files are determined to beavailable, they are loaded for viewing on the display screen at 410. Inone implementation, the files or a subset or reduced rendering thereofmay be displayed as thumbnail images. The Transmitter determines at 415whether the user has selected a media file from among the thumbnailsand, if not, waits until such a selection is made. If a media file hasbeen selected, it may be loaded for full-size display in the displayscreen at 420.

The Transmitter provides the user with the option to edit selected filesat 425. If the user elects to edit a selected file, the Transmitterreceives the user's file editing instructions at 430 and applies thecorresponding edits to the file at 435. The Transmitter then providesthe user with the option to save the applied edits 440 and, if the useraccepts that option, the edited file is persisted at 445. In oneimplementation, the user is requested to specify a destination to whichthe file is to be saved. If the user declines the option to save thefile, then the file is restored to its pre-restoration condition at 450.

At 455, the Transmitter receives one or more destination designationsfrom the user to which selected files are to be sent. In an alternativeimplementation, the selection of one or more destination designationsmay be performed once after all files for a particular package have beenselected.

At 460, the Transmitter provides a mechanism for the user to establishwhether the resolution of the selected media file is satisfactory and,if not, the user is allowed to adjust the resolution at 465. TheTransmitter also allows the user to establish whether a watermark shouldbe applied to the selected media file 470. In one implementation, thewatermark may be selected from a collection of saved user watermarks. Inanother implementation, an applied watermark may specify a useridentity. For example, a watermark identifying a photographer may beapplied to digital images shot by that photographer. In yet anotherembodiment, the user may be provided with the opportunity to create anew watermark within the media file editing functionality of Transmitteroperation. Any selected or created watermarks are applied to the mediafile at 475. For example, the user could type in their name andcopyright date as a watermark design, and large text would overlay theentirety of the photo at some level of transparency such that the photois visible, yet not usable in a commercial application.

The Transmitter determines at 480 whether the user desires toincorporate additional media files into an out-bound package and, if so,the flow returns to 415. Once a package is complete and ready fortransmission, a communication protocol and/or format is selected at 485.Files in the package are subsequently processed and/or converted into aform consistent with the selected protocol and transmitted to thedesignated destinations at 490. In another implementation, file packagesmay be admitted to temporary and/or permanent internal or externalstorage prior to being sent. A user may, for example, desire toincorporate additional media files into the package in the future priorto sharing the package.

Transmitter User Interface

FIG. 5 illustrates an implementation of a user interface in oneembodiment of Transmitter operation. The user interface in thisembodiment is configured as a touch-screen display. Among the componentsof the interface are an image viewing area 501, wherein full-sizeimages, videos, and/or the like 505 may be viewed. Within the viewingarea are also a listing of icons representative of various image editingtools, including a crop tool 510, selection/resizing tool 515, rotationtool 520, redeye reduction tool 523, brightness adjustment tool 525, hueadjustment tool 530, and sharpness adjustment tool 535, and/or the likemay be overlaid and/or provided via pop-up menu and/or the like. Othermedia file editing tools, such as those discussed previously, may haveassociated icons included in the display. In an alternativeimplementation, the display may employ a system of menus to facilitateorganization and selection of media file editing tools. The viewing area501 in FIG. 5 further includes buttons to save 537, restore 538, and/ordelete 539 a media file in the displayed in the viewing area.

Proximate to the viewing area 501 are shown a collection of buttonsassociated with different communication protocols, including WiFi 540,Bluetooth 545, GPRS 550, CDMA 555, and Ethernet 560. Any othercommunication protocols, such as those mentioned previously, may also beincluded in the display. In one implementation, the listing of protocolsmay serve as an indication to the user of which protocols are availableand/or in communicative contact with the Transmitter. For example, inFIG. 5, WiFi 540, Bluetooth 545, and CDMA 555 have solid circles,indicating an available communication means, while GPRS 550 and Ethernet560 have broken circles, indicating unavailable communication means(e.g., the Transmitter is out of range for a GPRS network, no Ethernetcable is inserted, etc.). The filled circle (in this case that of WiFi540) may indicate the communication protocol that is to be used fortransmission of media files. In one implementation, the protocol to beused may be automatically selected by the Transmitter based on ananalysis of protocol performance and/or integrity. In anotherembodiment, the cheapest protocol may be selected automatically. Suchissues are discussed in greater detail below. In another implementation,the communication protocol buttons may admit touch-screen input, wherebya user may select and/or override Transmitter selection of acommunication protocol.

The user interface further contains a selection of pop-up menus wherebya user may select a desired file format 565, resolution 570, and/orwatermark 575 for the displayed file(s). In the example shown in FIG. 5,the file format option may admit selections such as but not limited toJPEG, TIFF, BMP, raw image/video/audio, GIF, TGA, PCX, AVI, WMV,RealVideo, RealAudio, MPEG1-4, ISO image, ZIP, RAR, and/or the like. Theresolution option may admit selections such as high, medium, low,maximum, preview, and/or the like. In an alternative implementation, theresolution may, like the brightness 525, hue 530, and sharpness 535adjustments, admit a continuous variation, as may be designated using aslider widget or similar interface component. The watermark option mayadmit selections corresponding to no watermark and/or any of a selectionof watermarks created, uploaded, and/or watermarks stored by a user. Inone embodiment, a “new” option is available to the user for the user tocreate new watermarks on demand. In other implementations, the user mayelect to imprint the full-resolution images with watermarks that aresteganographically encoded.

The facility provided by the Transmitter in adjusting image resolutionand/or applying watermarks may prove particularly useful forapplications in which large and/or high-resolution images need to bequickly transmitted and/or approved by potential recipients. Forexample, photojournalists may take a large number of photographs with ahigh-resolution, digital single-lens reflex camera and desire to sendthem for review to one or more news organizations. It may be unfeasibleto send all of the full-resolution images for review, and thephotojournalist may be concerned about unauthorized distribution of theimages. Consequently, it may be advantageous to send the images in alow-resolution format, receive requests for a subset of approved images,and then send full-resolution versions of the requested images.Consequently, a Transmitter user may first generate a low-resolutionpreview version of an image or series of images for transmission to oneor more recipients. The user may also elect to imprint the previewimages with a watermark in order to further dissuade distribution of thepreview images. The recipients, then, may inspect the preview images anddetermine which, if any, they desire full-resolution copies of. At thattime, they may transmit a request message to the Transmitter and/orTransmitter user, who may subsequently transmit full-resolution copiesto requesting recipients.

In one embodiment, the Transmitter may be configured to communicate withone or more network-based storage units (e.g., network-attached storage)for archiving media files. A transmitter user may elect to transmit oneor more preview-quality and/or full-quality media files to the one ormore network-based storage units for storage once the files have beensatisfactorily processed. In one implementation, the Transmitter's userinterface may include one or more elements that the user may manipulateto efficiently transmit a selection of media files to the one or morestorage units. In another implementation, the Transmitter may accompanythe media files with access information (e.g., a login and/or password)and/or device identification information in order to be granted accessto the storage units. Subsequent to successful storage, a user maydirect media-requesting entities to the one or more storage units forretrieval of requested media files. For example, a Transmitter user maytransmit a collection of low-resolution images to a plurality ofpotential buyers and direct the buyer offering the highest price for agiven image to the appropriate storage unit from which a high-resolutionversion of the selected image may be retrieved. The Transmitter user mayfurther provide whatever additional information necessary for the buyerto gain access to the storage unit and/or media files contained therein.In this manner, the Transmitter user eliminates the need for multipletransmissions of full and/or preview quality images via theTransmitter's wireless communication channels, thereby saving time andexpediting the transaction process.

The user interface further includes a collection of media filethumbnails, configured in this example as a mock filmstrip 580. In analternative embodiment, the contents of a particular memory store may bealso or alternatively displayed in a filename list, directory structure,and/or the like. A particular thumbnail 583 may be selected and/orhighlighted 583 within the collection for display in the full-sizeviewing screen 501. Associated with each thumbnail in this example isalso a selection button 586, indicating whether a particular image isselected or deselected for inclusion in a transmission package. In oneimplementation, the selection button 586 merely indicates the inclusionstatus of a particular image with respect to a transmission packagewhile, in another implementation, the user may actually manipulate theselection button 586 to include or exclude an image with respect to atransmission package. In one embodiment, buttons may be provided toinclude/select or deselect all items in the filmstrip for addedconvenience.

The user interface further includes an Address Book interface 589,whereby a user may browse and/or select destination designations,including individual addresses in a directory 591 as well as groupdesignations 593. A user may select one or more entries from the AddressBook to which a media file package may be sent. The interface furtherincludes a text box 594, wherein a user may type an address to which apackage may be sent and/or for inclusion in the address book. Once thedestination has been specified, the user may manipulate a Send button595 to initiate the transmission of the media file package. Users mayselect individuals form the address directory 591 for inclusion ingroups 593 by selecting the individual(s) in the directory 591 andengaging the “Add” button 594. In this manner, a user may select asingle group and “send” 595 a package to all the group members with aminimum of effort.

In another implementation of the user interface, a virtual keyboard,keypad, and/or the like may be incorporated to facilitate the input oftext. In another implementation, an actual keyboard, keypad, and/or thelike may be incorporated into a Transmitter device.

Communication Protocol Selection

FIG. 6 shows an implementation of logic flow for automatic communicationprotocol selection in one embodiment of Transmitter operation. Acommunication protocol is picked from the group of all untestedprotocols at 601 and this protocol is tested at 605. Testing a protocolmay, for example, comprise sending and/or attempting to send one or moretoken units of information via a given protocol and monitoring transferrates, reliability, monitoring the reported signal strength of therelevant base station, and/or the like. Based on the test, theTransmitter determines whether a given communication protocol isavailable as a transmission option (e.g., if an Ethernet cable isconnected, if the Transmitter is within a particular cellular network,etc.) and, if not, then the particular protocol is disregarded. Thismay, in one implementation, be accompanied by a hashing, and/or thelike, of a protocol button in the user interface (see, e.g., 550 in FIG.5). If, on the other hand, the communication protocol is available, thena score may be assigned to the protocol 620 based on the expectedintegrity and/or performance of transmission using that protocol. TheTransmitter checks at 625 whether there are more protocols to test and,if so, returns to 601. Otherwise, the scores are compared acrossavailable protocols at 630, and the highest scoring protocol is selectedfor use in sending the package 635.

In an alternative implementation, the user may be provided with theoption to override the automatic communication protocol selection andselect an alternative, available communication protocol for packagetransmission. In another implementation, the user may be provided withthe sole discretion in selecting an available communication protocol forpackage transmission, and may be provided with information to assist inthe decision, such as transfer rates, reported signal strength of therelevant base stations, and/or integrity scores.

During such testing, the Transmitter may determine current transferrates, and costs for that protocol for a given time and location, and assuch make recommendations to the user. For example, the Transmitter canbe configured to highlight the cheapest method of communication, or thefastest method of communication. In one embodiment, the Transmitter candisplay the estimated time to transmit a selected package, and theestimated cost under each protocol option to better inform the user ofhis/her options. In still another implementation, the Transmitter mayelect to distribute package data across more than one communicationprotocols as needed or desired to maximize transfer efficiency,reliability, speed, and/or the like.

Media Request Management

In one embodiment, the Transmitter may be configured to detect and/orrespond to the receipt of messages requesting media files. FIG. 7 showsan implementation of media request management in one embodiment ofTransmitter operation. The Transmitter receives one or more messagesrequesting media files at 701, and the content of those messages issearched for expected content at 705. For example, the Transmitter mayexpect a properly formatted media request message to include the word“request” along with a media file ID number in the subject header. At710, the Transmitter determines whether there are more than one requestmessages and, if not, proceeds to package the one or more requestedmedia files at 730 in anticipation of sending to the requesting entity.If, however, there are request messages received from more than oneentity, then the Transmitter determines whether enough information hasbeen extracted from the request messages to select the appropriaterequesting entities to which the media files should be sent 715. Ifadditional information is needed to make the selection, that informationis extracted from the request messages at 720. Once sufficientinformation has been extracted from the request messages, theTransmitter may select a subset of requesting entities to which therequested media files should be sent based on that information in lightof a set of selection criteria 725.

The nature of the selection criteria and the associated informationrequirements may vary within different applications of the Transmitter.For example, a user may desire to send the requested digital media filesto the first three requesting entities to submit request messages. Thus,the Transmitter would query the date and/or time associated with eachrequest message and select those three messages having the earliest dateand time. Other examples of criteria and/or associated messageinformation that might be considered in various applications might bethe amount of payment offered in exchange for the media files, thenumber of media files requested, the identification of one or morerequesting entities as preferred recipients, and/or the like.

When the appropriate media file recipients have been designated, the oneor more requested media files are packaged at 730 in preparation fortransmission to those recipients. The versions packaged here fortransmission may be full-resolution versions that are free of obscuringwatermarks. In one implementation, the Transmitter may be configured toautomatically transmit the media file package to the designatedrecipients without further Transmitter user intervention 735. In analternative implementation, the Transmitter may be configured to promptthe user with a notification that the media file package has beenprepared and is ready for transmission to the designated recipient 740.The prompt may also include a one-click transmission feature, allowingthe user to easily elect to transmit the media file package. In stillanother implementation, the Transmitter will not prepare thetransmission package until after prompting the user of the intendedtransmission and receiving an affirmative response.

These variations allow for contractual obligations to become part of thedata exchange. For example, when a user sends out low resolution imagesto a set of recipients, the transmission may include unique documentidentifiers and links for each of the low resolution image. Thistransmission may include contractual language that makes it clear thatonce a user selects a link they are contractually bound to purchase thefull resolution version of the selected image; the user may specify apurchase price for the full resolution image and terms of use in thiscontractual section. In one embodiment, such contractual information maybe implemented as a signature boilerplate where the user may changeterms. In one embodiment, when a recipient of the reduced resolutionimages desires one of the full resolution images, they may click on asupplied link in the email. In one embodiment, the supplied link may bea “mailto:” link that pre-populates a responding email back to theoriginal sender with the unique identifier of the selected image in thesubject line. In a first-come-first served model, the first recipient torespond by selecting a given link for an image, that recipient wouldthen be awarded the full version of the image. In one embodiment, whenthe Transmitter receives such an email from a recipient, it parses therecipient's return email requesting the full resolution version, anduses the unique identifier to find the full resolution image, mark thatimage as “sold” and automatically sends out the full resolution imageonly to the first buyer. In an alternative embodiment, an auction modelmay be employed where the Transmitter will wait a specified amount oftime and discern which of the respondents bid the highest amount for anyof its images and send out the full resolution image to the winningbidder. In one embodiment, auction outlet sites such as scoopt.com maybe engaged to carry out the auction. In another embodiment, theTransmitter may automatically create an Ebay auction. In the Ebay model,the user supplies the Transmitter with his or her Ebay login name andpassword, and the Transmitter connects to Ebay to create an auctionbased on the reduced quality images, and sends the link to the Ebayauction to the list of lower resolution image recipients. This Ebaymodel has the advantage of greatly reducing transmissions as the reducedresolutions are available at the Ebay auction and require no furtherre-transmissions from the Transmitter.

FIG. 8 illustrates an implementation of a user interface in oneembodiment of Transmitter operation. The user interface in thisembodiment is configured as a touch-screen display 820 that may bepowered on and off by a power button 810. In this embodiment, acollection of LED indicators 815 show the available communicationprotocols to the Transmitter, e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth, GPRS, CDMA andEthernet. In this implementation, the WiFi LED indicator is on showingthat the Transmitter is in the communication range of a WiFi network. Inother Transmitter implementations, the availability and connectivity forthe different communication protocols may also be displayed on thetouch-screen display 820 and the user of the Transmitter may be allowedto select which communication protocol to use. For example, when bothEthernet and WiFi communication protocols are available, a user mayselect to use Ethernet because of security considerations. In a furtherimplementation, the protocol to be used may be automatically selected bythe Transmitter based on an analysis of protocol performance and/orintegrity. In another embodiment, the cheapest communication protocolmay be selected automatically by the Transmitter. In one implementation,when the Transmitter is turned on using the power button 810, a window825 may pop-up prompting the user to insert memory media. As discussedabove, in one embodiment of Transmitter operation, memory media mayinclude but not be limited to Compact Flash memory cards, Secure Digital(SD) Flash memory cards, extreme digital (XD) picture cards, mini SD andmemory sticks.

FIG. 9 illustrates an implementation of a user interface for selectingimages for editing in one embodiment of Transmitter operation. In thisimplementation, when a user inserts acceptable memory media into theTransmitter, a tab menu 910 may appear to enable the user to select,edit, preview and send images that are stored in the inserted memorymedia. In one implementation, the available tab pages of the Tab Menu910 may be Thumbnails, Photo Editing, Preview and Send. FIG. 9illustrates the user interface for one implementation of the Thumbnailspage of the Tab Menu 910. In this implementation, the thumbnails for theavailable images on the inserted media may be displayed in a matrixconfiguration and a scroll bar 930 may allow a user to view morethumbnails. Users may be able to use the touch-screen display to selectimages for photo editing and sending. When a thumbnail 920 is selected,a bold border may appear around the selected thumbnail, a mail icon tagmay appear at the corner of the selected thumbnail and the image filename may be shown 935 on the display. In one embodiment, the Transmittermay allow the user to rename the file. In one implementation, selectionshortcut buttons 940 may allow a user to select or deselect allavailable thumbnails. In further implementations, a user may be able tozoom in an image by double-clicking on a thumbnail and study the imagedetails in order to determine whether to select it or not. Once theimage selection is completed, a user may hit the “Next” button 950 inorder to proceed with the necessary photo editing.

FIG. 10 illustrates an implementation of a user interface for imageediting (the Photo Editing tab) in one embodiment of Transmitteroperation. In this implementation, the Photo Editing tab may contain thecollection of user selected thumbnails stored in an image reel 1010 forquick and convenient retrieval. When a user selects or highlights athumbnail from the collection of available thumbnails stored in theimage reel 1010, the full size of selected image may be displayed in animage viewing area 1015 and enable the user to utilize various editingtools that may be accessible through an Image Editing Options Menu 1020to the left of the viewing area. In one implementation, the ImageEditing Options Menu 1020 may include a listing of icons representativeof various image editing tools, including but not limited to a croptool, selection/resizing tool, rotation tool, red-eye reduction tool,brightness adjustment tool, hue adjustment tool, sharpness adjustmenttool, and/or the like. When a user selects an image editing tool, anexpanding adjuster 1030 may pop-up that allows the user to adjust thelevel of variation of the selected image property. The user interface ofthe Photo Editing page of FIG. 10 may further contain a selection ofpop-up menus whereby a user may select a desired file format 1040,resolution 1043, and/or watermark 1046 for the displayed file(s). In oneTransmitter implementation, the file format option 1040 may admitselections such as but not limited to JPEG, TIFF, BMP, rawimage/video/audio, GIF, TGA, PCX, AVI, WMV, RealVideo, RealAudio,MPEG1-4, ISO image, ZIP, RAR, and/or the like. The resolution option1043 may admit selections such as high, medium, low, maximum, preview,and/or the like. In alternative implementations, the resolution mayadmit a continuous variation, as may be designated using a slider widgetor similar interface component. The watermark option 1040 may admitselections corresponding to no watermark and/or any of a selection ofwatermarks created, uploaded, and/or watermarks stored by a user. In oneembodiment, a “new” option may be available to the user for the user tocreate new watermarks on demand. In one implementation, the newwatermarks may include but not be limited to the user's name, the user'scompany name, the desired sell price for the image, and/or the like. Inone implementation, when the user clicks on the “Set price” button 1048,a pop-up window may appear that allows the user to set the desired sellprice for the selected image. The display area in FIG. 10 may furtherinclude editing buttons 1050 to save, restore, and/or delete thedisplayed image file in the viewing area. Tabbing options buttons 1060may also allow a user to move to the next tabbed page to preview theedited images or to the previous tabbed page to change the imageselection.

FIG. 11 illustrates an implementation of a user interface for applyingwatermarks to images in one embodiment of Transmitter operation. In thisimplementation, a user may turn a watermark application on by pressingthe watermark button 1110. If a user does not select the type ofwatermark to be applied, the default watermark is applied to theselected image. As discussed above, in further implementations a usermay create new watermarks that may include but not be limited to theuser's name, the user's company name, the user's contact information,the minimum-acceptable sell price for the image, and/or the like. In theexample shown in FIG. 11, the watermark applied to the selected image1115 is the minimum-acceptable sell price for the image, e.g., “PRICE£50.00”. At any time, editing options of the Photo Editing tab may allowa user to save, restore or delete the displayed image.

FIGS. 12-14 illustrate an implementation of a user interface forselecting and previewing images for transmission in one embodiment ofTransmitter operation. In this implementation, the Preview Tab 1210 mayallow a user to preview the selected and possibly edited image(s) andcompose a message to be sent with the selected image(s) asattachment(s). The composed message may contain a subject 1215 and abody 1220. In one implementation, when a user taps or clicks on the areaof the text message 1220 (or the subject 1215), an on-screen keypad 1410may appear as that displayed in FIG. 14 that may allow the user to editthe contents of the message 1220 (or the subject of the message 1215).In further implementations, an external keyboard may be incorporated tofacilitate the input of text. In one implementation, as that shown inFIG. 12, the preview tab 1210 may contain the collection of selectedimages stored in an image reel 1225 for quick and convenient retrievaland a watermark application 1240 may allow the user to apply a watermarkto all the images to be sent. The preview tab 1210 may provide the userwith buttons 1250 to set the price of a selected photo or set the priceof all photos. In one implementation, the preview tab may also allow theuser to have the set price(s) as part of a watermark applied to theimage(s). In the implementation of FIG. 12, a user may also select toadd or remove images to the collection of attached images by pressingthe “Add/Remove Image” button 1230. As shown in FIG. 13, in oneimplementation, when the user wants to add or remove images to theattached image selection, the user may be taken back to the Thumbnailstab 1310 in order to make the necessary changes to the image selection.The thumbnails previously selected for editing may be automaticallyselected to be sent and a mail icon tag may appear at the corner of eachof the previously selected images. A user may change his image selectionaccording to the procedures described above and then proceed to thePhoto Editing tab to make the necessary image editing. Once the imageselection is finalized and the accompanying message is composed, a usermay click on the “Next” button in order to go to the next tabbed pagewhich is the “Send” tab. FIGS. 15A-15C illustrate an implementation of auser interface for sending messages in one embodiment of Transmitteroperation. In this implementation, the Send tab 1510 of FIG. 15A mayallow a user to send the message to an email message recipient list1515. In other implementations, the Transmitter may be configured tosend MMS messages, skype messages, AIM messages, and/or the like. Inthis implementation, a user may choose the message recipient list 1515by first displaying either Groups of contacts or Contacts 1520. In theexample of FIG. 15A, the Contact tab 1520 is selected and a scroll downlist of contacts 1525 appears that enables the user to select thecontacts to send the message to. In one implementation, when a contactis selected from the scroll down list the email information of thecontact immediately appears on the comprehensive message recipient list1515. In other implementations, the user may select the “Add” button1530 in order to create new contacts or groups of contacts, or to typein the contact information of people without adding them to the contactlist(s). In the example of FIG. 15B, the Group tab 1520 is selected anda scroll down list of groups 1555 appears that enables the user toselect the groups to send the message to. The list of groups 1555 maycontain default groups for major media publications such as “TheGuardian” or “Times Online” as well as user-created groups such as“Friends” and “Work Colleagues”. In one implementation, the Transmittermay also allow a user to create new groups by pressing the appropriate“Make a Group” button 1560. The Transmitter may also allow the user tocancel the message 1545, save a draft of the message 1550, or send themessage 1540. When the user selects the “Send” button 1540, a sendingconfirmation window 1570, such as that displayed in FIG. 15C, appearsthat indicates the message sending progress. In one implementation,components provided by open-source email programs such as Sylpheed,Balsa, and/or the like, may be accessed through their respective APIs.In other implementations, a highly customized email client based on theLinux operating system may also be used by the Transmitter.

In one embodiment, FIGS. 16A-16C are screen image diagrams illustratingaspects of receiving Transmitter originated email messages that includea selection of low-resolution images (thumbnails) and buying or biddingfor the selected images. In one implementation, FIG. 16A is of a screenimage diagram of an email message received by “Newsdesk” and originatedby a Transmitter user with email address “yyy@. . . . . . . .com”. Theemail message 1620 may display a selection of thumbnail images and allowthe recipient to preview the images and decide whether to buy or bid onany of them. FIG. 16B provides a blown-up view of the email message 1620received by Newsdesk. In one implementation, the email message offeringthe images for full rights sale may display the image thumbnails 1625 inthe body of the email and prompt the recipient to click on various linksfor performing different actions. For example, one link 1630 may allowthe recipient to buy all the displayed photos for a fixed offer price,another link 1633 may allow the recipient to choose which photos to buyor bid on, and a third link 1636 may allow the recipient to indicatethat he has no intention to buy any of the photos. In oneimplementation, when a recipient engages link 1633 a browser window 1640such as that of FIG. 16C may open up that displays a website 1645 withmore information about the photos. For example, the photos offered forsale by Superjourno may be displayed in a column 1640 and next to eachphoto a relevant tab (1650A-1650C) may appear allowing the recipient toindicate the action to take on each photo. In one implementation, thetab 1650A may be used to inform the recipient about the asking price foreach photograph and provide information about options to buy each photoat the asking price, bid for each photo for another amount, or indicatethat there is no interest for the photo. In one implementation, one ofthe selections of the tab 1650A may be selected by default. In theexample of FIG. 16C, the recipient may choose to buy the firstphotograph at the asking price and bid $50.00 for the third photograph.When a recipient goes through the list of photos 1640 and indicates hisselection for each photo on the appropriate tab 1650, the recipient mayclick on a button 1660 to buy or bid on the selected photos. If thebidding or purchase price results in a successful purchase by therecipient and the recipient payment method is verified, a confirmationemail may be sent to the recipient with the details of the order and thepurchased images attached as full-resolution images. In furtherembodiments, after an unsuccessful bidding attempt for a photo, arecipient may be instructed that their next bidding attempt for the samephoto can only come after a specified amount of time. In furtherimplementations, after an unsuccessful attempt a recipient may also begiven one counter-offer with a new minimum amount necessary to purchasethe photo.

Various Applications

The Transmitter provides an efficient and effective means to view,store, edit, and transmit digital media files that may be applied to awide variety of media applications. In one embodiment, the Transmittermay be employed by photographers, photojournalists, and/or the like torapidly process, edit, and send photographs or video to multiple newsagencies, newspapers, magazines, television studios, websites, and/orthe like while maintaining control over their photographs by allowingthem to send reduced quality and watermarked proofs. The Transmitter'sbroad communication capabilities ensure that it is maximally effectivein locating and exploiting available communication networks, even when aphotographer is in a remote location. Transmitter features, particularlythose permitting resolution adjustment and watermark application, allowusers to send demo or preview-quality versions of media files forinitial approval prior to sending higher quality originals.

In another embodiment, the Transmitter may be employed within thefashion or entertainment industries. For example, the Transmitter mayallow fashion photographers to quickly apply basic edits to photographsbefore sending them to magazines, advertisers, and/or the like toreceive feedback and/or instructions for additional photographs.Selected photographs may then be sent in high-quality format forpublication. The Transmitter may be particularly useful in this context,as fashion photography may often take place in remote locations thatlack coverage by one or more standard communication networks. In anotherexample, the Transmitter allows filming location scouts to quickly sendhigh-quality images of candidate locations to directors, producers,and/or the like, with little regard for the network coverage in thoseareas. The Transmitter may also allow for the processing andtransmission of video and/or audio footage shot in such locations. Ineither of the above embodiments, an option may be included to send aninvoice to a recipient of the final images, along with the images.

In another embodiment, the Transmitter may include and/or employ aparallel port, USB port, and/or the like to interface with variousprinters to produce printed photographs. The Transmitter may furtherinclude drives, ports, and/or the like to facilitate the production ofCDs, DVDs, video cassettes, and/or the like. In another embodiment, theTransmitter may incorporate an integrated printer within the body of aTransmitter device. Such a printer may be capable of printingphotographs, as well as address labels, envelopes, stamps and/orstamp-equivalent codes, bar codes, matrix codes, and/or the like.

In another embodiment, the Transmitter may be employed as a universalmedia file transmission device. Because the Transmitter is compatiblewith a wide variety of different communication networks, protocols, andformats, it is highly effective in coupling to a data transmissionstream in conditions where single protocol devices and systems may beout of range of their unique host networks. The Transmitter is ideallysuited for travel and/or tourism related activities in which a user maywant to process, store, or transmit media while situated in unfamiliaror remote surroundings. In particular, the Transmitter facilitatesmobile blogging applications.

In another embodiment, the Transmitter may be employed in the tourismindustry. For example, Transmitter enabled devices may be employed intheme parks to allow users to plug in a memory card or other datainterface (e.g., camera cable), apply basic edits to their photographs,and immediately send the photographs to their own e-mail addresses orthose of their friends and/or family, to post the photographs on awebsite, and/or the like. Having stored the photographs remotely, theuser is then free to erase files from the memory card in order to freeup space for subsequent media acquisition. In some implementations, theTransmitter enabled devices may charge a fee for this service. Inanother example, a Transmitter enabled device may be employed as part ofa safari tour. The device may be provided at a base station or evenintegrated into a safari vehicle to allow safari goers to store andtransmit the numerous, high-quality photographs and video files theyacquire.

In another embodiment, the Transmitter may be employed within a numberof security, law enforcement, and/or military applications. TheTransmitter's remote location flexibility and ability to process andtransmit high quality media makes it ideally suited for surveillance andreconnaissance. Furthermore, the Transmitter's capabilities allow it tobe used for processing, storing, and transmitting images of faces,fingerprints, retinas, ear shapes, and/or other uniquely identifyingfeatures that are of sufficient quality to permit detailed analysisand/or identification. In one implementation, Transmitter configureddevices may be mounted in police cars, military vehicles, and/or thelike. In another implementation, Transmitter configured devices mayfurther include integrated finger print scanners and/or retinal scannersto enhance security.

Transmitter Controller

FIG. 17 of the present disclosure illustrates inventive aspects of aTransmitter controller 1701 in a block diagram. In this embodiment, theTransmitter controller 1701 may serve to aggregate, process, store,search, serve, identify, instruct, generate, match, and/or updatedatabases, database elements, database element fields, and/or otherrelated data.

Typically, users, which may be people and/or other systems, engageinformation technology systems (e.g., common computers) to facilitateinformation processing. In turn, computers employ processors to processinformation; such processors are often referred to as central processingunits (CPU). A common form of processor is referred to as amicroprocessor. CPUs use communicative signals to enable variousoperations. Such communicative signals may be stored and/or transmittedin batches as program and/or data components facilitate desiredoperations. These stored instruction code signals may engage the CPUcircuit components to perform desired operations. A common type ofprogram is a computer operating system, which, commonly, is executed byCPU on a computer; the operating system enables and facilitates users toaccess and operate computer information technology and resources. Commonresources employed in information technology systems include: input andoutput mechanisms through which data may pass into and out of acomputer; memory storage into which data may be saved; and processors bywhich information may be processed. Often information technology systemsare used to collect data for later retrieval, analysis, andmanipulation, commonly, which is facilitated through a database program.Information technology systems provide interfaces that allow users toaccess and operate various system components.

In one embodiment, the Transmitter controller 1701 may be connected toand/or communicate with entities such as, but not limited to: one ormore users from user input devices 1711; peripheral devices 1712; acryptographic processor device 1728; and/or a communications network1713.

Networks are commonly thought to comprise the interconnection andinteroperation of clients, servers, and intermediary nodes in a graphtopology. It should be noted that the term “server” as used throughoutthis disclosure refers generally to a computer, other device, program,or combination thereof that processes and responds to the requests ofremote users across a communications network. Servers serve theirinformation to requesting “clients.” The term “client” as used hereinrefers generally to a computer, other device, program, or combinationthereof that is capable of processing and making requests and obtainingand processing any responses from servers across a communicationsnetwork. A computer, other device, program, or combination thereof thatfacilitates, processes information and requests, and/or furthers thepassage of information from a source user to a destination user iscommonly referred to as a “node.” Networks are generally thought tofacilitate the transfer of information from source points todestinations. A node specifically tasked with furthering the passage ofinformation from a source to a destination is commonly called a“router.” There are many forms of networks such as Local Area Networks(LANs), Pico networks, Wide Area Networks (WANs), Wireless Networks(WLANs), etc. For example, the Internet is generally accepted as beingan interconnection of a multitude of networks whereby remote clients andservers may access and interoperate with one another.

The Transmitter controller 1701 may be based on common computer systemsthat may comprise, but are not limited to, components such as: acomputer systemization 1702 connected to memory 1729.

Computer Systemization

A computer systemization 1702 may comprise a clock 1730, centralprocessing unit (CPU) 1703, a read only memory (ROM) 1706, a randomaccess memory (RAM) 1705, and/or an interface bus 1707, and mostfrequently, although not necessarily, are all interconnected and/orcommunicating through a system bus 1704. Optionally, the computersystemization may be connected to an internal power source 1786.Optionally, a cryptographic processor 1726 may be connected to thesystem bus. The system clock typically has a crystal oscillator andprovides a base signal. The clock is typically coupled to the system busand various clock multipliers that will increase or decrease the baseoperating frequency for other components interconnected in the computersystemization. The clock and various components in a computersystemization drive signals embodying information throughout the system.Such transmission and reception of signals embodying informationthroughout a computer systemization may be commonly referred to ascommunications. These communicative signals may further be transmitted,received, and the cause of return and/or reply signal communicationsbeyond the instant computer systemization to: communications networks,input devices, other computer systemizations, peripheral devices, and/orthe like. Of course, any of the above components may be connecteddirectly to one another, connected to the CPU, and/or organized innumerous variations employed as exemplified by various computer systems.

The CPU comprises at least one high-speed data processor adequate toexecute program components for executing user and/or system-generatedrequests. The CPU may be a microprocessor such as AMD's Athlon, Duronand/or Opteron; IBM and/or Motorola's PowerPC; IBM's and Sony's Cellprocessor; Intel's Celeron, Itanium, Pentium, Xeon, and/or XScale;and/or the like processor(s). The CPU interacts with memory throughsignal passing through conductive conduits to execute stored signalprogram code according to conventional data processing techniques. Suchsignal passing facilitates communication within the Transmittercontroller and beyond through various interfaces. Should processingrequirements dictate a greater amount speed, parallel, mainframe and/orsuper-computer architectures may similarly be employed. Alternatively,should deployment requirements dictate greater portability, smallerPersonal Digital Assistants (PDAs) may be employed.

Power Source

The power source 1786 may be of any standard form for powering smallelectronic circuit board devices such as the following power cells:alkaline, lithium hydride, lithium ion, lithium polymer, nickel cadmium,solar cells, and/or the like. Other types of AC or DC power sources maybe used as well. In the case of solar cells, in one embodiment, the caseprovides an aperture through which the solar cell may capture photonicenergy. The power cell 1786 is connected to at least one of theinterconnected subsequent components of the Transmitter therebyproviding an electric current to all subsequent components. In oneexample, the power source 1786 is connected to the system bus component1704. In an alternative embodiment, an outside power source 1786 isprovided through a connection across the I/O 1708 interface. Forexample, a USB and/or IEEE 1394 connection carries both data and poweracross the connection and is therefore a suitable source of power.

Interface Adapters

Interface bus(es) 1707 may accept, connect, and/or communicate to anumber of interface adapters, conventionally although not necessarily inthe form of adapter cards, such as but not limited to: input outputinterfaces (I/O) 1708, storage interfaces 1709, network interfaces 1710,and/or the like. Optionally, cryptographic processor interfaces 1727similarly may be connected to the interface bus. The interface busprovides for the communications of interface adapters with one anotheras well as with other components of the computer systemization.Interface adapters are adapted for a compatible interface bus. Interfaceadapters conventionally connect to the interface bus via a slotarchitecture. Conventional slot architectures may be employed, such as,but not limited to: Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP), Card Bus,(Extended) Industry Standard Architecture ((E)ISA), Micro ChannelArchitecture (MCA), NuBus, Peripheral Component Interconnect (Extended)(PCI(X)), PCI Express, Personal Computer Memory Card InternationalAssociation (PCMCIA), and/or the like.

Storage interfaces 1709 may accept, communicate, and/or connect to anumber of storage devices such as, but not limited to: storage devices1714, removable disc devices, and/or the like. Storage interfaces mayemploy connection protocols such as, but not limited to: (Ultra)(Serial) Advanced Technology Attachment (Packet Interface) ((Ultra)(Serial) ATA(PI)), (Enhanced) Integrated Drive Electronics ((E)IDE),Institute of Electrical and Electronics Transmitters (IEEE) 1394, fiberchannel, Small Computer Systems Interface (SCSI), Universal Serial Bus(USB), and/or the like.

Network interfaces 1710 may accept, communicate, and/or connect to acommunications network 1713. Through a communications network 1713, theTransmitter controller is accessible through remote clients 1733 b(e.g., computers with web browsers) by users 1733 a. Network interfacesmay employ connection protocols such as, but not limited to: directconnect, Ethernet (thick, thin, twisted pair 10/100/1000 Base T, and/orthe like), Token Ring, wireless connection such as IEEE 802.11a-x,and/or the like. A communications network may be any one and/or thecombination of the following: a direct interconnection; the Internet; aLocal Area Network (LAN); a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN); anOperating Missions as Nodes on the Internet (OMNI); a secured customconnection; a Wide Area Network (WAN); a wireless network (e.g.,employing protocols such as, but not limited to a Wireless ApplicationProtocol (WAP), I-mode, and/or the like); and/or the like. A networkinterface may be regarded as a specialized form of an input outputinterface. Further, multiple network interfaces 1710 may be used toengage with various communications network types 1713. For example,multiple network interfaces may be employed to allow for thecommunication over broadcast, multicast, and/or unicast networks.

Input Output interfaces (I/O) 1708 may accept, communicate, and/orconnect to user input devices 1711, peripheral devices 1712,cryptographic processor devices 1728, and/or the like. I/O may employconnection protocols such as, but not limited to: Apple Desktop Bus(ADB); Apple Desktop Connector (ADC); audio: analog, digital, monaural,RCA, stereo, and/or the like; IEEE 1394a-b; infrared; joystick;keyboard; midi; optical; PC AT; PS/2; parallel; radio; serial; USB;video interface: BNC, coaxial, composite, digital, Digital VisualInterface (DVI), RCA, RF antennae, S-Video, VGA, and/or the like;wireless; and/or the like. A common output device is a television set,which accepts signals from a video interface. Also, a video display,which typically comprises a Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) or Liquid CrystalDisplay (LCD) based monitor with an interface (e.g., DVI circuitry andcable) that accepts signals from a video interface, may be used. Thevideo interface composites information generated by a computersystemization and generates video signals based on the compositeinformation in a video memory frame. Typically, the video interfaceprovides the composite video information through a video connectioninterface that accepts a video display interface (e.g., an RCA compositevideo connector accepting an RCA composite video cable; a DVI connectoraccepting a DVI display cable, etc.).

User input devices 1711 may be card readers, dongles, finger printreaders, gloves, graphics tablets, joysticks, keyboards, mouse (mice),remote controls, retina readers, trackballs, trackpads, and/or the like.

Peripheral devices 1712 may be connected and/or communicate to I/Oand/or other facilities of the like such as network interfaces, storageinterfaces, and/or the like. Peripheral devices may be audio devices,cameras, dongles (e.g., for copy protection, ensuring securetransactions with a digital signature, and/or the like), externalprocessors (for added functionality), goggles, microphones, monitors,network interfaces, printers, scanners, storage devices, video devices,video sources, visors, and/or the like.

It should be noted that although user input devices and peripheraldevices may be employed, the Transmitter controller may be embodied asan embedded, dedicated, and/or monitor-less (i.e., headless) device,wherein access would be provided over a network interface connection.

Cryptographic units such as, but not limited to, microcontrollers,processors 1726, interfaces 1727, and/or devices 1728 may be attached,and/or communicate with the Transmitter controller. A MC68HC16microcontroller, commonly manufactured by Motorola Inc., may be used forand/or within cryptographic units. Equivalent microcontrollers and/orprocessors may also be used. The MC68HC16 microcontroller utilizes a16-bit multiply-and-accumulate instruction in the 16 MHz configurationand requires less than one second to perform a 512-bit RSA private keyoperation. Cryptographic units support the authentication ofcommunications from interacting agents, as well as allowing foranonymous transactions. Cryptographic units may also be configured aspart of CPU. Other commercially available specialized cryptographicprocessors include VLSI Technology's 33 MHz 6868 or SemaphoreCommunications' 40 MHz Roadrunner 184.

Memory

Generally, any mechanization and/or embodiment allowing a processor toaffect the storage and/or retrieval of information is regarded as memory1729. However, memory is a fungible technology and resource, thus, anynumber of memory embodiments may be employed in lieu of or in concertwith one another. It is to be understood that the Transmitter controllerand/or a computer systemization may employ various forms of memory 1729.For example, a computer systemization may be configured wherein thefunctionality of on-chip CPU memory (e.g., registers), RAM, ROM, and anyother storage devices are provided by a paper punch tape or paper punchcard mechanism; of course such an embodiment would result in anextremely slow rate of operation. In a typical configuration, memory1729 will include ROM 1706, RAM 1705, and a storage device 1714. Astorage device 1714 may be any conventional computer system storage.Storage devices may include a drum; a (fixed and/or removable) magneticdisk drive; a magneto-optical drive; an optical drive (i.e., CDROM/RAM/Recordable (R), ReWritable (RW), DVD R/RW, etc.); an array ofdevices (e.g., Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID)); and/orother devices of the like. Thus, a computer systemization generallyrequires and makes use of memory.

Component Collection

The memory 1729 may contain a collection of program and/or databasecomponents and/or data such as, but not limited to: operating systemcomponent(s) 1715 (operating system); information server component(s)1716 (information server); user interface component(s) 1717 (userinterface); Web browser component(s) 1718 (Web browser); database(s)1719; mail server component(s) 1721; mail client component(s) 1722;cryptographic server component(s) 1720 (cryptographic server); theTransmitter component(s) 1735; and/or the like (i.e., collectively acomponent collection). These components may be stored and accessed fromthe storage devices and/or from storage devices accessible through aninterface bus. Although non-conventional program components such asthose in the component collection, typically, are stored in a localstorage device 1714, they may also be loaded and/or stored in memorysuch as: peripheral devices, RAM, remote storage facilities through acommunications network, ROM, various forms of memory, and/or the like.

Operating System

The operating system component 1715 is an executable program componentfacilitating the operation of the Transmitter controller. Typically, theoperating system facilitates access of I/O, network interfaces,peripheral devices, storage devices, and/or the like. The operatingsystem may be a highly fault tolerant, scalable, and secure system suchas Apple Macintosh OS X (Server), AT&T Plan 9, Be OS, Linux, Unix,and/or the like operating systems. However, more limited and/or lesssecure operating systems also may be employed such as Apple MacintoshOS, Microsoft DOS, Microsoft Windows2000/2003/3.1/95/98/CE/Millenium/NT/Vista/XP (Server), Palm OS, and/orthe like. Mobile operating systems such as Linux Mobile, Symbian,Microsoft Windows Mobile, Android, and/or the like may also be employed.An operating system may communicate to and/or with other components in acomponent collection, including itself, and/or the like. Mostfrequently, the operating system communicates with other programcomponents, user interfaces, and/or the like. For example, the operatingsystem may contain, communicate, generate, obtain, and/or provideprogram component, system, user, and/or data communications, requests,and/or responses. The operating system, once executed by the CPU, mayenable the interaction with communications networks, data, I/O,peripheral devices, program components, memory, user input devices,and/or the like. The operating system may provide communicationsprotocols that allow the Transmitter controller to communicate withother entities through a communications network 1713. Variouscommunication protocols may be used by the Transmitter controller as asubcarrier transport mechanism for interaction, such as, but not limitedto: multicast, TCP/IP, UDP, unicast, and/or the like.

Information Server

An information server component 1716 is a stored program component thatis executed by a CPU. The information server may be a conventionalInternet information server such as, but not limited to Apache SoftwareFoundation's Apache, Microsoft's Internet Information Server, and/or thelike. The information server may allow for the execution of programcomponents through facilities such as Active Server Page (ASP), ActiveX,(ANSI) (Objective-) C (++), C#, Common Gateway Interface (CGI) scripts,Java, JavaScript, Practical Extraction Report Language (PERL), Python,WebObjects, and/or the like. The information server may support securecommunications protocols such as, but not limited to, File TransferProtocol (FTP); HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP); Secure HypertextTransfer Protocol (HTTPS), Secure Socket Layer (SSL), and/or the like.The information server provides results in the form of Web pages to Webbrowsers, and allows for the manipulated generation of the Web pagesthrough interaction with other program components. After a Domain NameSystem (DNS) resolution portion of an HTTP request is resolved to aparticular information server, the information server resolves requestsfor information at specified locations on the Transmitter controllerbased on the remainder of the HTTP request. For example, a request suchas http://123.124.125.126/myInformation.html might have the IP portionof the request “123.124.125.126” resolved by a DNS server to aninformation server at that IP address; that information server might inturn further parse the http request for the “/myInformation.html”portion of the request and resolve it to a location in memory containingthe information “myInformation.html.” Additionally, other informationserving protocols may be employed across various ports, e.g., FTPcommunications across port 21, and/or the like. An information servermay communicate to and/or with other components in a componentcollection, including itself, and/or facilities of the like. Mostfrequently, the information server communicates with the Transmitterdatabase 1719, operating systems, other program components, userinterfaces, Web browsers, and/or the like.

Access to the Transmitter database may be achieved through a number ofdatabase bridge mechanisms such as through scripting languages asenumerated below (e.g., CGI) and through inter-application communicationchannels as enumerated below (e.g., CORBA, WebObjects, etc.). Any datarequests through a Web browser are parsed through the bridge mechanisminto appropriate grammars as required by the Transmitter. In oneembodiment, the information server would provide a Web form accessibleby a Web browser. Entries made into supplied fields in the Web form aretagged as having been entered into the particular fields, and parsed assuch. The entered terms are then passed along with the field tags, whichact to instruct the parser to generate queries directed to appropriatetables and/or fields. In one embodiment, the parser may generate queriesin standard SQL by instantiating a search string with the properjoin/select commands based on the tagged text entries, wherein theresulting command is provided over the bridge mechanism to theTransmitter as a query. Upon generating query results from the query,the results are passed over the bridge mechanism, and may be parsed forformatting and generation of new results Web page by the bridgemechanism. Such a new results Web page is then provided to theinformation server, which may supply it to the requesting Web browser.

Also, an information server may contain, communicate, generate, obtain,and/or provide program component, system, user, and/or datacommunications, requests, and/or responses.

User Interface

The function of computer interfaces in some respects is similar toautomobile operation interfaces. Automobile operation interface elementssuch as steering wheels, gearshifts, and speedometers facilitate theaccess, operation, and display of automobile resources, functionality,and status. Computer interaction interface elements such as check boxes,cursors, menus, scrollers, and windows (collectively and commonlyreferred to as widgets) similarly facilitate the access, operation, anddisplay of data and computer hardware and operating system resources,functionality, and status. Operation interfaces are commonly called userinterfaces. Graphical user interfaces (GUIs) such as the Apple MacintoshOperating System's Aqua, Microsoft's Windows XP, or Unix's X-Windowsprovide a baseline and means of accessing and displaying informationgraphically to users.

A user interface component 1717 is a stored program component that isexecuted by a CPU. The user interface may be a conventional graphic userinterface as provided by, with, and/or atop operating systems and/oroperating environments such as Apple Macintosh OS, e.g., Aqua, GNUSTEP,Microsoft Windows (NT/XP), Unix X Windows (KDE, Gnome, and/or the like),Linux (e.g., Qtopia from Trolltech, Pixil from Century Software, and/orthe like), mythTV, and/or the like. The user interface may allow for thedisplay, execution, interaction, manipulation, and/or operation ofprogram components and/or system facilities through textual and/orgraphical facilities. The user interface provides a facility throughwhich users may affect, interact, and/or operate a computer system. Auser interface may communicate to and/or with other components in acomponent collection, including itself, and/or facilities of the like.Most frequently, the user interface communicates with operating systems,other program components, and/or the like. The user interface maycontain, communicate, generate, obtain, and/or provide programcomponent, system, user, and/or data communications, requests, and/orresponses.

Web Browser

A Web browser component 1718 is a stored program component that isexecuted by a CPU. The Web browser may be a conventional hypertextviewing application such as Microsoft Internet Explorer or NetscapeNavigator. Secure Web browsing may be supplied with 128 bit (or greater)encryption by way of HTTPS, SSL, and/or the like. Some Web browsersallow for the execution of program components through facilities such asJava, JavaScript, ActiveX, and/or the like. Web browsers and likeinformation access tools may be integrated into PDAs, cellulartelephones, and/or other mobile devices. A Web browser may communicateto and/or with other components in a component collection, includingitself, and/or facilities of the like. Most frequently, the Web browsercommunicates with information servers, operating systems, integratedprogram components (e.g., plug-ins), and/or the like; e.g., it maycontain, communicate, generate, obtain, and/or provide programcomponent, system, user, and/or data communications, requests, and/orresponses. Of course, in place of a Web browser and information server,a combined application may be developed to perform similar functions ofboth. The combined application would similarly affect the obtaining andthe provision of information to users, user agents, and/or the like fromthe Transmitter enabled nodes. The combined application may be nugatoryon systems employing standard Web browsers.

Mail Server

A mail server component 1721 is a stored program component that isexecuted by a CPU 1703. The mail server may be a conventional Internetmail server such as, but not limited to sendmail, Microsoft Exchange,and/or the like. The mail server may allow for the execution of programcomponents through facilities such as ASP, ActiveX, (ANSI) (Objective-)C (++), CGI scripts, Java, JavaScript, PERL, pipes, Python, WebObjects,and/or the like. The mail server may support communications protocolssuch as, but not limited to: Internet message access protocol (IMAP),Microsoft Exchange, post office protocol (POP3), simple mail transferprotocol (SMTP), and/or the like. The mail server can route, forward,and process incoming and outgoing mail messages that have been sent,relayed and/or otherwise traversing through and/or to the Transmitter.

Access to the Transmitter mail may be achieved through a number of APIsoffered by the individual Web server components and/or the operatingsystem.

Also, a mail server may contain, communicate, generate, obtain, and/orprovide program component, system, user, and/or data communications,requests, information, and/or responses.

Mail Client

A mail client component 1722 is a stored program component that isexecuted by a CPU 1703. The mail client may be a conventional mailviewing application such as Apple Mail, Microsoft Entourage, MicrosoftOutlook, Microsoft Outlook Express, Mozilla Thunderbird, and/or thelike. Mail clients may support a number of transfer protocols, such as:IMAP, Microsoft Exchange, POP3, SMTP, and/or the like. Componentsprovided by open source mobile email clients based on Linux such asSylpheed, Balsa, and/or the like, may also be accessed through theirrespective APIs. A mail client may communicate to and/or with othercomponents in a component collection, including itself, and/orfacilities of the like. Most frequently, the mail client communicateswith mail servers, operating systems, other mail clients, and/or thelike; e.g., it may contain, communicate, generate, obtain, and/orprovide program component, system, user, and/or data communications,requests, information, and/or responses. Generally, the mail clientprovides a facility to compose and transmit electronic mail messages.

Cryptographic Server

A cryptographic server component 1720 is a stored program component thatis executed by a CPU 1703, cryptographic processor 1726, cryptographicprocessor interface 1727, cryptographic processor device 1728, and/orthe like. Cryptographic processor interfaces will allow for expeditionof encryption and/or decryption requests by the cryptographic component;however, the cryptographic component, alternatively, may run on aconventional CPU. The cryptographic component allows for the encryptionand/or decryption of provided data. The cryptographic component allowsfor both symmetric and asymmetric (e.g., Pretty Good Protection (PGP))encryption and/or decryption. The cryptographic component may employcryptographic techniques such as, but not limited to: digitalcertificates (e.g., X.509 authentication framework), digital signatures,dual signatures, enveloping, password access protection, public keymanagement, and/or the like. The cryptographic component will facilitatenumerous (encryption and/or decryption) security protocols such as, butnot limited to: checksum, Data Encryption Standard (DES), EllipticalCurve Encryption (ECC), International Data Encryption Algorithm (IDEA),Message Digest 5 (MD5, which is a one way hash function), passwords,Rivest Cipher (RC5), Rijndael, RSA (which is an Internet encryption andauthentication system that uses an algorithm developed in 1977 by RonRivest, Adi Shamir, and Leonard Adleman), Secure Hash Algorithm (SHA),Secure Socket Layer (SSL), Secure Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTPS),and/or the like. Employing such encryption security protocols, theTransmitter may encrypt all incoming and/or outgoing communications andmay serve as node within a virtual private network (VPN) with a widercommunications network. The cryptographic component facilitates theprocess of “security authorization” whereby access to a resource isinhibited by a security protocol wherein the cryptographic componenteffects authorized access to the secured resource. In addition, thecryptographic component may provide unique identifiers of content, e.g.,employing and MD5 hash to obtain a unique signature for a digital audiofile. A cryptographic component may communicate to and/or with othercomponents in a component collection, including itself, and/orfacilities of the like. The cryptographic component supports encryptionschemes allowing for the secure transmission of information across acommunications network to enable the Transmitter component to engage insecure transactions if so desired. The cryptographic componentfacilitates the secure accessing of resources on the Transmitter andfacilitates the access of secured resources on remote systems; i.e., itmay act as a client and/or server of secured resources. Most frequently,the cryptographic component communicates with information servers,operating systems, other program components, and/or the like. Thecryptographic component may contain, communicate, generate, obtain,and/or provide program component, system, user, and/or datacommunications, requests, and/or responses.

The Transmitter Database

The Transmitter database component 1719 may be embodied in a databaseand its stored data. The database is a stored program component, whichis executed by the CPU; the stored program component portion configuringthe CPU to process the stored data. The database may be a conventional,fault tolerant, relational, scalable, secure database such as Oracle orSybase. Relational databases are an extension of a flat file. Relationaldatabases consist of a series of related tables. The tables areinterconnected via a key field. Use of the key field allows thecombination of the tables by indexing against the key field; i.e., thekey fields act as dimensional pivot points for combining informationfrom various tables. Relationships generally identify links maintainedbetween tables by matching primary keys. Primary keys represent fieldsthat uniquely identify the rows of a table in a relational database.More precisely, they uniquely identify rows of a table on the “one” sideof a one-to-many relationship.

Alternatively, the Transmitter database may be implemented using variousstandard data-structures, such as an array, hash, (linked) list, struct,structured text file (e.g., XML), table, and/or the like. Suchdata-structures may be stored in memory and/or in (structured) files. Inanother alternative, an object-oriented database may be used, such asFrontier, ObjectStore, Poet, Zope, and/or the like. Object databases caninclude a number of object collections that are grouped and/or linkedtogether by common attributes; they may be related to other objectcollections by some common attributes. Object-oriented databases performsimilarly to relational databases with the exception that objects arenot just pieces of data but may have other types of functionalityencapsulated within a given object. If the Transmitter database isimplemented as a data-structure, the use of the Transmitter database1719 may be integrated into another component such as the Transmittercomponent 1735. Also, the database may be implemented as a mix of datastructures, objects, and relational structures. Databases may beconsolidated and/or distributed in countless variations through standarddata processing techniques. Portions of databases, e.g., tables, may beexported and/or imported and thus decentralized and/or integrated.

In one embodiment, the database component 1719 includes several tables1719 a-d. A Media Files table 1719 a may include fields such as, but notlimited to: file ID, file name, file type, file format, file size,resolution, color depth, creation date, editing history, file source,file creator and/or owner, and/or the like. A Tools table 1719 b mayinclude fields such as, but not limited to: tool ID, tool name, tooltype, plug-in location, associated file formats, tool values, templatesand/or macros, and/or the like. An Address Book table 1719 c may includefields such as, but not limited to: entry ID, entry name, e-mailaddress, IP address, URL, telephone number, location, postal address,preferred protocol, transmission history, and/or the like. A Protocolstable 1719 d may include fields such as, but not limited to: protocolID, protocol name, protocol format rules, preferred locations, and/orthe like. These and/or other tables may support and/or track multipleentity accounts on the Transmitter Controller.

In one embodiment, the Transmitter database may interact with otherdatabase systems. For example, employing a distributed database system,queries and data access by Transmitter modules may treat the combinationof the Transmitter database and another database as a single databaseentity.

In one embodiment, user programs may contain various user interfaceprimitives, which may serve to update the Transmitter. Also, variousaccounts may require custom database tables depending upon theenvironments and the types of clients the Transmitter may need to serve.It should be noted that any unique fields may be designated as a keyfield throughout. In an alternative embodiment, these tables have beendecentralized into their own databases and their respective databasecontrollers (i.e., individual database controllers for each of the abovetables). Employing standard data processing techniques, one may furtherdistribute the databases over several computer systemizations and/orstorage devices. Similarly, configurations of the decentralized databasecontrollers may be varied by consolidating and/or distributing thevarious database components 1719 a-d. The Transmitter may be configuredto keep track of various settings, inputs, and parameters via databasecontrollers.

The Transmitter database may communicate to and/or with other componentsin a component collection, including itself, and/or facilities of thelike. Most frequently, the Transmitter database communicates with theTransmitter component, other program components, and/or the like. Thedatabase may contain, retain, and provide information regarding othernodes and data.

The Transmitter Component

The Transmitter component 1735 is a stored program component that isexecuted by a CPU. The Transmitter component affects accessing,obtaining and the provision of information, services, transactions,and/or the like across various communications networks. As such, theTransmitter component enables one to access, calculate, engage,exchange, generate, identify, instruct, match, process, search, serve,store, and/or facilitate transactions to enable acquisition, processing,storage, and transmission of digital media files by aTransmitter-enabled device. In one embodiment, the Transmitter componentincorporates any and/or all combinations of the aspects of theTransmitter that were discussed in the previous figures and appendices.

The Transmitter component enabling access of information between nodesmay be developed by employing standard development tools such as, butnot limited to: (ANSI) (Objective-) C (++), Apache components, binaryexecutables, database adapters, Java, JavaScript, mapping tools,procedural and object oriented development tools, PERL, Python, shellscripts, SQL commands, web application server extensions, WebObjects,and/or the like. In one embodiment, the Transmitter server employs acryptographic server to encrypt and decrypt communications. TheTransmitter component may communicate to and/or with other components ina component collection, including itself, and/or facilities of the like.Most frequently, the Transmitter component communicates with theTransmitter database, operating systems, other program components,and/or the like. The Transmitter may contain, communicate, generate,obtain, and/or provide program component, system, user, and/or datacommunications, requests, and/or responses.

Distributed Transmitter

The structure and/or operation of any of the Transmitter node controllercomponents may be combined, consolidated, and/or distributed in anynumber of ways to facilitate development and/or deployment. Similarly,the component collection may be combined in any number of ways tofacilitate deployment and/or development. To accomplish this, one mayintegrate the components into a common code base or in a facility thatcan dynamically load the components on demand in an integrated fashion.

The component collection may be consolidated and/or distributed incountless variations through standard data processing and/or developmenttechniques. Multiple instances of any one of the program components inthe program component collection may be instantiated on a single node,and/or across numerous nodes to improve performance throughload-balancing and/or data-processing techniques. Furthermore, singleinstances may also be distributed across multiple controllers and/orstorage devices; e.g., databases. All program component instances andcontrollers working in concert may do so through standard dataprocessing communication techniques.

The configuration of the Transmitter controller will depend on thecontext of system deployment. Factors such as, but not limited to, thebudget, capacity, location, and/or use of the underlying hardwareresources may affect deployment requirements and configuration.Regardless of if the configuration results in more consolidated and/orintegrated program components, results in a more distributed series ofprogram components, and/or results in some combination between aconsolidated and distributed configuration, data may be communicated,obtained, and/or provided. Instances of components consolidated into acommon code base from the program component collection may communicate,obtain, and/or provide data. This may be accomplished throughintra-application data processing communication techniques such as, butnot limited to: data referencing (e.g., pointers), internal messaging,object instance variable communication, shared memory space, variablepassing, and/or the like.

If component collection components are discrete, separate, and/orexternal to one another, then communicating, obtaining, and/or providingdata with and/or to other component components may be accomplishedthrough inter-application data processing communication techniques suchas, but not limited to: Application Program Interfaces (API) informationpassage; (distributed) Component Object Model ((D)COM), (Distributed)Object Linking and Embedding ((D)OLE), and/or the like), Common ObjectRequest Broker Architecture (CORBA), process pipes, shared files, and/orthe like. Messages sent between discrete component components forinter-application communication or within memory spaces of a singularcomponent for intra-application communication may be facilitated throughthe creation and parsing of a grammar. A grammar may be developed byusing standard development tools such as lex, yacc, XML, and/or thelike, which allow for grammar generation and parsing functionality,which in turn may form the basis of communication messages within andbetween components. Again, the configuration will depend upon thecontext of system deployment.

The entirety of this disclosure (including the Cover Page, Title,Headings, Field, Background, Summary, Brief Description of the Drawings,Detailed Description, Claims, Abstract, Figures, and otherwise) shows byway of illustration various embodiments in which the claimed inventionsmay be practiced. The advantages and features of the disclosure are of arepresentative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/orexclusive. They are presented only to assist in understanding and teachthe claimed principles. It should be understood that they are notrepresentative of all claimed inventions. As such, certain aspects ofthe disclosure have not been discussed herein. That alternateembodiments may not have been presented for a specific portion of theinvention or that further undescribed alternate embodiments may beavailable for a portion is not to be considered a disclaimer of thosealternate embodiments. It will be appreciated that many of thoseundescribed embodiments incorporate the same principles of the inventionand others are equivalent. Thus, it is to be understood that otherembodiments may be utilized and functional, logical, organizational,structural and/or topological modifications may be made withoutdeparting from the scope and/or spirit of the disclosure. As such, allexamples and/or embodiments are deemed to be non-limiting throughoutthis disclosure. Also, no inference should be drawn regarding thoseembodiments discussed herein relative to those not discussed hereinother than it is as such for purposes of reducing space and repetition.For instance, it is to be understood that the logical and/or topologicalstructure of any combination of any program components (a componentcollection), other components and/or any present feature sets asdescribed in the figures and/or throughout are not limited to a fixedoperating order and/or arrangement, but rather, any disclosed order isexemplary and all equivalents, regardless of order, are contemplated bythe disclosure. Furthermore, it is to be understood that such featuresare not limited to serial execution, but rather, any number of threads,processes, services, servers, and/or the like that may executeasynchronously, concurrently, in parallel, simultaneously,synchronously, and/or the like are contemplated by the disclosure. Assuch, some of these features may be mutually contradictory, in that theycannot be simultaneously present in a single embodiment. Similarly, somefeatures are applicable to one aspect of the invention, and inapplicableto others. In addition, the disclosure includes other inventions notpresently claimed. Applicant reserves all rights in those presentlyunclaimed inventions including the right to claim such inventions, fileadditional applications, continuations, continuations in part,divisions, and/or the like thereof. As such, it should be understoodthat advantages, embodiments, examples, functional, features, logical,organizational, structural, topological, and/or other aspects of thedisclosure are not to be considered limitations on the disclosure asdefined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims.

1. A processor-implemented method for processing digital media,comprising: receiving a digital media file from a digital media inputinterface array, the digital media input interface array including atleast a memory access component; providing the digital media file fordisplay on a display screen via an integrated media editing andtransmission interface; receiving at least one digital media fileediting instruction from the integrated media editing and transmissioninterface; modifying the digital media file based on the at least onedigital media file editing instruction; receiving at least onedestination designation from the integrated media editing andtransmission interface; receiving at least one digital mediatransmission format selection from the integrated media editing andtransmission interface, the transmission format selection including anyof a cellular network format, a wireless transmission format, anEthernet format, or a USB format; configuring the digital media file inaccordance with the at least one data transmission format; and sendingthe digital media file to a destination specified by the at least onedestination designation via a digital media output interface array, thedigital media output interface array including output componentsproviding transmission capabilities consistent with at least thecellular network format, and a wireless transmission format.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the digital media file comprises a stillimage.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the digital media filecomprises a video.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the digital mediafile further comprises an audio supplement.
 5. The method of claim 4,wherein the digital media file editing instruction comprises an audiosupplement adjustment.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the audiosupplement adjustment comprises a change of volume.
 7. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the memory access component is a flash memory cardslot.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the digital media inputinterface array further comprises a USB port.
 9. The method of claim 8,wherein the USB port is the same as at least one of the outputcomponents.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the display screen admitstouch-screen input.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least onedigital media file editing instruction comprises an image crop.
 12. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the at least one digital media file editinginstruction comprises an image resize.
 13. The method of claim 1,wherein the at least one digital media file editing instructioncomprises an image rotation.
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the atleast one digital media file editing instruction comprises a brightnessadjustment.
 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one digitalmedia file editing instruction comprises a color adjustment.
 16. Themethod of claim 15, wherein the color adjustment comprises a colorsaturation adjustment.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the coloradjustment comprises a hue adjustment.
 18. The method of claim 1,wherein the at least one digital media file editing instructioncomprises a sharpness adjustment.
 19. The method of claim 1, wherein theat least one digital media file editing instruction comprises a contrastadjustment.
 20. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one digitalmedia file editing instruction comprises a red-eye reduction.
 21. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the at least one digital media file editinginstruction comprises application of a special effect.
 22. The method ofclaim 21, wherein the special effect comprises a digital airbrushing.23. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one digital media fileediting instruction comprises a resolution adjustment.
 24. The method ofclaim 23, wherein the resolution adjustment admits at least a highresolution and a low resolution setting.
 25. The method of claim 1,wherein the at least one digital media file editing instructioncomprises a preview-quality conversion.
 26. The method of claim 25,further comprising: receiving a digital media file request message froma media requesting entity, the request message comprising at least oneselection of a preview-quality converted media file; and preparing atransmission package comprising a digital media file corresponding tothe at least one selection of a preview-quality converted media file.27. The method of claim 25, further comprising: receiving a plurality ofdigital media file request messages from a set of media requestingentities, each request message comprising request selection content andat least one selection of a preview-quality converted media file;searching the plurality of digital media file request messages for therequest selection content; selecting a recipient subset of the mediarequesting entities based on the request selection content and a set ofrequest selection criteria; and preparing a transmission packagecomprising a digital media file corresponding to the at least oneselection of a preview-quality converted media file.
 28. The method ofclaim 27, further comprising: sending the transmission package to therecipient subset.
 29. The method of claim 27, further comprising:prompting a user to transmit the transmission package to the recipientsubset.
 30. The method of claim 27, wherein the request selectioncontent comprises a time and the request selection criteria comprises anearliness criteria.
 31. The method of claim 27, wherein the requestselection content comprises a purchase bid and the request selectioncriteria comprises a bid maximization criteria.
 32. The method of claim25, wherein the preview-quality conversion comprises a resolutionreduction.
 33. The method of claim 25, wherein the preview-qualityconversion comprises a reduction in file size of the digital media file.34. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one digital media fileediting instruction comprises a file format designation.
 35. The methodof claim 34, wherein the file format designation admits at least a rawformat and a compressed format.
 36. The method of claim 35, wherein thecompressed format comprises a lossless compressed format.
 37. The methodof claim 35, wherein the compressed format comprises a lossy compressedformat.
 38. The method of claim 35, wherein the compressed format is aformat selected from the group consisting of JPEG, TIFF, GIF, and BMP.39. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one digital media fileediting instruction comprises selection and incorporation of awatermark.
 40. The method of claim 39, wherein the watermark includes aprice for the at least one digital media file.
 41. The method of claim40, wherein the price corresponds to a user minimum acceptable sellprice for the at least one digital media file.
 42. The method of claim39, wherein the watermark includes a photographer identification. 43.The method of claim 39, wherein the watermark is steganographicallyencoded within the at least one digital media file.
 44. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising: storing the modified digital media file.45. The method of claim 44, wherein the modified digital media file isstored in an internal memory.
 46. The method of claim 45, wherein theinternal memory comprises a magnetic memory.
 47. The method of claim 45,wherein the internal memory comprises a flash memory.
 48. The method ofclaim 44, wherein the modified digital media file is stored in aremovable memory card.
 49. The method of claim 48, wherein the removablememory card is inserted in the memory access component in the digitalmedia input interface array.
 50. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: providing a restore option, whereby the modified digitalmedia file may be restored to its original state prior to modification.51. The method of claim 1, wherein the destination designation comprisesan email address.
 52. The method of claim 1, wherein the destinationdesignation comprises an IP address.
 53. The method of claim 1, whereinthe destination designation comprises a URL.
 54. The method of claim 1,wherein the destination designation comprises a telephone number. 55.The method of claim 1, wherein the destination designation comprises aninstant messaging identity.
 56. The method of claim 1, wherein thedestination designation specifies more than one recipient.
 57. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the destination designation is selected froma digital address book.
 58. The method of claim 57, wherein the digitaladdress book comprises at least one group of contacts.
 59. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the cellular network format comprises GSM.
 60. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the cellular network format comprises GPRS.61. The method of claim 1, wherein the cellular network format comprisesW-CDMA.
 62. The method of claim 1, wherein the cellular network formatcomprises CDMA.
 63. The method of claim 59, wherein the cellular networkformat includes CDMA.
 64. The method of claim 62, wherein the cellularnetwork format includes GSM.
 65. The method of claim 1, wherein thecellular network format comprises CDMA2000.
 66. The method of claim 1,wherein the cellular network format comprises HSDPA.
 67. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the selecting at least one digital media transmissionformat is based on an automatic decision.
 68. The method of claim 67,wherein the automatic decision is based on a transmission integrityanalysis.
 69. The method of claim 67, wherein the automatic decision isbased on monitoring reported signal strength of base stations.
 70. Themethod of claim 68, wherein the transmission integrity analysiscomprises a reliability estimate for each digital media transmissionformat.
 71. The method of claim 67, wherein the automatic decision ispresented to a user for confirmation prior to selecting the at least onedigital media transmission format.
 72. The method of claim 1, whereinthe selecting at least one digital media transmission format is based ona user decision.
 73. A processor-implemented method for processingdigital images, comprising: receiving a digital image from a digitalmedia input interface array, the digital media input interface arrayincluding at least a memory access component and a USB port; providingthe digital image for display on a display screen via an integratedimage editing and transmission interface, the display screen beingconfigured to admit touch-screen input; providing a plurality of digitalimage editing options via the integrated image editing and transmissioninterface, including at least cropping, resizing, rotating, brightness,color adjustment, sharpness, contrast, resolution, file format,watermark, and red-eye reduction options; receiving at least one digitalimage editing instruction selected from the plurality of digital imageediting options via the integrated image editing and transmissioninterface; modifying the digital image based on the at least one digitalimage editing instruction; receiving at least one destinationdesignation via the integrated image editing and transmission interface,wherein the destination designation is selected from a digital addressbook; selecting at least one digital media transmission format from theintegrated image editing and transmission interface, including any of aGSM format, a GPRS format, a W-CDMA format, a CDMA format, a CDMA2000format, a HSDPA format, a WiFi format, a Bluetooth format, an Ethernetformat, or a USB format; configuring the digital media file inaccordance with the at least one data transmission format; and sendingthe configured digital media file to a destination specified by the atleast one destination designation via a digital media output interfacearray, the digital media output interface array including outputcomponents providing transmission capabilities consistent with at leastthe GSM format, the GPRS format, the W-CDMA format, the CDMA format, theCDMA2000 format, the HSDPA format, the WiFi format, the Bluetoothformat, the Ethernet format, and the USB format.
 74. Aprocessor-implemented method for processing digital media, comprising:receiving a digital media file from a digital media input interfacearray, the digital media input interface array including at least amemory access component; providing the digital media file for display ona display screen; receiving at least one digital media file editinginstruction; modifying the digital media file based on the at least onedigital media file editing instruction; receiving at least onedestination designation; selecting at least one digital mediatransmission format, including any of a cellular network format, awireless transmission format, an Ethernet format, or a USB format;configuring the digital media file in accordance with the at least onedata transmission format; and sending the digital media file to adestination specified by the at least one destination designation via adigital media output interface array, the digital media output interfacearray including output components providing transmission capabilitiesconsistent with at least the cellular network format, and a wirelesstransmission format.
 75. An system to process digital media, comprising:means to receive digital media file from a digital media input interfacearray, the digital media input interface array including at least amemory access component; means to provide the digital media file fordisplay on a display screen via an integrated media editing andtransmission interface; means to receive at least one digital media fileediting instruction from the integrated media editing and transmissioninterface; means to modify the digital media file based on the at leastone digital media file editing instruction; means to receive at leastone destination designation from the integrated media editing andtransmission interface; means to receive at least one digital mediatransmission format selection from the integrated media editing andtransmission interface, the transmission format selection including anyof a cellular network format, a wireless transmission format, anEthernet format, or a USB format; means to configure the digital mediafile in accordance with the at least one data transmission format; andmeans to send the digital media file to a destination specified by theat least one destination designation via a digital media outputinterface array, the digital media output interface array includingoutput components providing transmission capabilities consistent with atleast the cellular network format, and a wireless transmission format.76. An apparatus to process digital media, comprising: a memory; aprocessor disposed in communication with said memory, and configured toissue a plurality of instructions stored in the memory, wherein theinstructions issue signals to: receive a digital media file from adigital media input interface array, the digital media input interfacearray including at least a memory access component; provide the digitalmedia file for display on a display screen via an integrated mediaediting and transmission interface; receive at least one digital mediafile editing instruction from the integrated media editing andtransmission interface; modify the digital media file based on the atleast one digital media file editing instruction; receiving at least onedestination designation from the integrated media editing andtransmission interface; receive at least one digital media transmissionformat selection from the integrated media editing and transmissioninterface, the transmission format selection including any of a cellularnetwork format, a wireless transmission format, an Ethernet format, or aUSB format; configure the digital media file in accordance with the atleast one data transmission format; and send the digital media file to adestination specified by the at least one destination designation via adigital media output interface array, the digital media output interfacearray including output components providing transmission capabilitiesconsistent with at least the cellular network format, and a wirelesstransmission format.
 77. A medium readable by a processor to processdigital media, comprising: instruction signals in the processor readablemedium, wherein the instruction signals are issuable by the processorto: receive a digital media file from a digital media input interfacearray, the digital media input interface array including at least amemory access component; providing the digital media file for display ona display screen via an integrated media editing and transmissioninterface; receive at least one digital media file editing instructionfrom the integrated media editing and transmission interface; modify thedigital media file based on the at least one digital media file editinginstruction; receive at least one destination designation from theintegrated media editing and transmission interface; receive at leastone digital media transmission format selection from the integratedmedia editing and transmission interface, the transmission formatselection including any of a cellular network format, a wirelesstransmission format, an Ethernet format, or a USB format; configure thedigital media file in accordance with the at least one data transmissionformat; and send the digital media file to a destination specified bythe at least one destination designation via a digital media outputinterface array, the digital media output interface array includingoutput components providing transmission capabilities consistent with atleast the cellular network format, and a wireless transmission format.